AN: I do not own the characters of Twilight, S.M. owns them, I just like playing with them for a bit.

Thank you to readingmama, for being my beta.

The Christmas Wish

Chapter 2

EPOV

We turned to wave goodbye to Althena, but were shocked to see an empty storefront. I knew we were just shopping in there, and now there was nothing but a building with a 'For Rent' sign displayed prominently in the window. Not even someone with vampire speed could have cleared out everything that quickly. Something really strange was definitely going on with the necklaces we had acquired. After hearing what Althena had said about the set being made from a fallen star, I could only wonder what magic these stones actually held. My arms were wrapped around Bella, and I pulled her close to my chest. I had to remember not to use too much strength, or I would crush her.

"Edward, what's wrong?" Bella asked.

"Nothing of consequence, Love," I replied. "I'm just a little concerned about the fact that we now have a set of necklaces that came from a store and a person who doesn't exist. I'm just worried that we may be in for something we aren't prepared to handle."

"Edward, I know you feel it is your job to protect me, but I think you are overreacting," Bella stated. "I feel the same draw to these stones as I feel for you, like these were made just for us. Let's just see what happens. "

"You are right, Bella. I guess these uneasy feelings are based on what we were told about these stones, even if we can't prove it. I know we both heard it, but how do we know it is the truth?" I asked skeptically.

"We can only trust that we really did meet Althena, and accept the stones in the manner they were given, as a gift," Bella replied.

"Alright, I will treat them, like the time I have with you, as a gift." I grinned at her as I bent to place a sweet kiss on her lips. Bella stretched up to meet my lips, and it didn't take long for both of us to get lost in the passionate kiss. I pulled away when I felt the stone around my neck get very warm, surprising me. It felt like the stone was taking on a life of its own. I looked at Bella. She had a puzzled expression on her face.

"Did you feel your stone get really hot just now?" she asked me.

"I felt the stone get really warm, if that is what you are asking. You know nothing feels hot to me," I stated. Warmth is not something I feel often, being a vampire. So it was a bit unnerving that we both felt a change in the stones while we were kissing. I just wanted to know what it meant.

"Edward, I really need to get home. Charlie is going to wonder where I am. I told him we wouldn't be too late," Bella reminded me.

"Okay Love, we can talk more about this later. Let's get you home."

I held her hand as we drove back to Forks. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling I had about the 'gift' we had been given. I didn't want to ruin something that was special to Bella, so I shoved those thoughts to the back of my mind.

We enjoyed seeing the houses decorated for Christmas as we drove up the street to Charlie's house. Bella snuggled against my chest for a few minutes before she noticed Charlie looking out the window.

"I guess I need to head inside," she sighed, "Want to come in for a bit? It's still early enough."

"I'll come in for a little bit, but then I have to take my car home for the night, so Charlie doesn't get suspicious."

I turned off the engine, and walked around the car to open the door for her. I grabbed her hand and walked her to the door. I couldn't help but notice the mistletoe hung on the porch, and snuck a kiss before she opened the door. Bella glanced at me with a knowing grin, then ushered us inside before Charlie wondered what was taking us so long.

BPOV

My dad was sitting in front of the TV when we came inside.

"Hi, Kids," Charlie greeted us, "Did you get your shopping finished?"

I froze, I had completely forgotten about the gift I wanted to purchase for Alice. "Not exactly, I still haven't found everything."

"That's too bad," Charlie replied, "You still have one more day, maybe you will come up with something. Do you kids want to help me finish decorating the tree?"

"Sure, Dad," I said, "Let me get the ornaments from upstairs." I hurried to the closet where I had stashed the last box of ornaments. Heading back down the stairs, I heard Charlie talking with Edward. I paused not wanting to interrupt the conversation.

"Are you still planning what we had discussed earlier?" Charlie asked Edward.

"Yes, Sir," he replied, "I wanted to know if Bella could spend the night with my family tomorrow evening." I held my breath waiting for my dad's response.

"That will be fine, but I expect her home on Christmas Day. I have to work tomorrow night, and I really don't want Bella home by herself on Christmas Eve. Your parents will be there, I presume?" Charlie inquired.

"Yes, sir," Edward stated, "We have a quiet evening at home planned. I really think Bella will enjoy it.

"You have my permission, and Bella can tell me about it on Christmas Day," Charlie grinned.

I breathed a sigh of relief. This was going to be a fantastic Holiday.

I came back in with the box of ornaments. If anyone knew I had been listening to the conversation, no one revealed it.

"Bella, how would you like to spend Christmas Eve with my family and myself?" Edward asked. "I promise you will enjoy yourself."

I looked at Charlie. He now had a blank expression. "Do you have anything planned, Dad?" I inquired, not revealing I heard the entire conversation. "I will stay here if you do."

Charlie was fighting a smile by this time. "I know you heard everything, Kid. Your face gives you away every time. Go and have a good time. I expect you to behave yourself," he stated sternly.

I jumped up and hugged my dad, embarrassing him, as he doesn't like to display emotions.

"Enough of that, Bells," Charlie stated, turning a deep shade of red. "Let's get this tree finished."

It didn't take long to put the last box of ornaments on the tree. I was enjoying spending time with both my dad and Edward. We sat and watched a Christmas movie. When it was over Charlie stood, yawned and said, "Good Night. Take care driving home tonight, Edward. See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Charlie," Edward replied, "I will pick you up tomorrow afternoon, Bella."

I walked Edward to the door; he gave me a sweet kiss and whispered he would be back after Charlie was asleep. He walked to his car, waved at me, then got behind the wheel and drove toward his home.

"Good night, Dad," I called, as I headed up the stairs.

"Night, Bells," was the reply I heard.

I made my way to the bathroom to take a quick shower, wash my hair, and prepare for bed. I quickly dressed in my tank top and pajama pants. I brushed my teeth, and ran a brush through my still damp hair. Thinking about the day and what had occurred consumed my thoughts. Realizing that we had been given a special gift made my wait for Edward to return seem that much longer. I reached over to turn on the radio, listening to a Christmas station I found a few days prior.

Fifteen minutes later, Edward finally made it to my room. I was already wrapped in a thick quilt, so that his cold body wouldn't make sleep impossible, due to shivering. Snuggling into his arms, I thought about what I wanted to say.

"Asleep already my love?" Edward asked.

"I was actually thinking about our wishing stones. It would be nice if we both made a Christmas wish tomorrow night, as it will be the most magical night of the year," I said, voicing my thoughts aloud.

"I don't know, Bella. I still am concerned that something could go horribly wrong," Edward replied.

"This is our first Christmas together, I just don't want to do something we may regret later."

"Please," I begged, "I know what I want to wish for, and it will be special. I promise."

"What is it that you want to wish for? Maybe I can make it happen without using the wishing stones. You know I will gladly give you anything you want," Edward stated, smiling at me.

"Anything?" I asked hopefully.

"What is it that you want so much, Bella?"

"You know what I want more than anything, but you won't give it to me. I want to be with you forever, and not as human," I replied.

"Bella, we have had this discussion before. I love you more than life itself, but I don't believe you are ready to be a vampire. Please drop this request. I just want to enjoy Christmas with you, without feeling pressured into doing something you aren't ready to handle," Edward replied, sadly.

I knew how hard this was for him to say. I still didn't like his response, but let it go, for now. I tried a different tactic. "Edward, what is your wish?"

"Not a chance!" he stated. "There is no way I am saying what I want to wish."

"You have one though, I can tell you do." I could sense I was right. "Please think about the one thing you want most for your Christmas wish."

I knew he couldn't resist me for long when I pleaded with him. I snuggled down further into his chest and drifted off to sleep. My last thought before fully succumbing to sleep was I wished he would agree to make one wish with me on Christmas Eve.

I felt the stone get really warm as I drifted into a deep sleep.

AN:

Christmas Eve day will be in next chapter. Stick around to find out what Edward will do. Going to get really interesting over the next two chapters.

Please hit the green button below and send me some Christmas cheer.